Includes bibliographical references (page 63) and index

Foreword -- Introduction. Origins and functions of the SAS -- Training and equipment -- Origins of the raid. Motives for the attack -- The seizure of the Embassy. Day one : Wednesday, 10 April 1980 -- Day two : Thursday, 1 May -- Day three : Friday, 2 May -- Day four : Saturday, 3 May -- Day five : Sunday, 4 May -- Day six : Monday, 5 May -- The SAS assault. Evacuating the hostages -- Analysis. Effects on the SAS -- Observations on the terrorists -- Long-term impact -- Glossary

For 5 days in May 1980, the world watched as the SAS performed a daring raid on the Iranian Embassy in London. Hailed by Margaret Thatcher as "a brilliant operation" the raid was a huge success for the SAS, rescuing 19 hostages with near-perfect military execution, although 2 hostages were killed by terrorists. Despite the media attention, details of the siege are still largely unknown. Those involved and the identities of the SAS troopers themselves, remain a closely guarded secret. This book takes an in-depth look at the siege, revealing the political background behind it and analyzing the controversial decision by the Prime Minister to sign over control of the streets of London to the military. Artwork illustrates the moment the walls were breached and show how the strict planning of the operation was critical to its success. With input from those involved in the mission, the author strips away some of the mystery behind the best counter-terrorism unit in the world and their most famous raid

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